National Gallery’s newly revamped F&B space has definitely been reimagined. Stepping in, you can now find a café space that brings together both classic local food as well as international food experiences. Two of Cynthia Lim’s food establishments, Kopi 1930 and Twenty Eight Café have been brought together in this café space, and it stands a tribute to Singapore’s vibrant culinary and arts culture.
Everything at this National Gallery outlet feels intentional. From the retro décor and coffee cup lamps to the Instagrammable wall which shows both the traditional coffee/tea makers with moka pots, the chic and inviting atmosphere makes a wonderful location for relaxed meals and for visitors seeking a delicious mix of options in the area.
What really stood out to me when I visited the space is how Kopi 1930 and Twenty Eight Cafe complement each other. Both concepts offer food that’s so different, with Kopi 1930 serving local comfort food and Twenty Eight Café serving out an international menu that’s inspired by Australian and Japanese cuisine. Despite their differences, these choices unite in this space, inviting guests seeking various tastes to enjoy something new and unique in a shared setting.
With both menus available by scanning a single QR code, the space makes it easy for everyone to find something they’ll like.
Opening from 8am, well before the National Gallery is opened to the public daily, this café space offers art aficionados and anyone seeking a hearty meal the perfect way to start their day. With this F&B addition, the National Gallery is definitely a welcoming spot where art and food truly meet.
And at a recent media tasting, these dishes really stood out to me:
Kopi 1930’s Mee Siam (S$10.90)
I’m not one who is a fan of mee siam but this dish, was just so good. Warm, spicy and tangy, the gravy is rich with rempah and tamarind, paired with prawns and served with bee hoon. It’s a good-sized serving, great for breakfast or lunch. If you’re not too good with spice, just request to have it with less chilli.
Kopi 1930’s Kaya Toast (S$2.80)
A Singaporean classic, the kaya toast is served with thick layers of homemade kaya and butter making it perfect for a satisfying snack. You can also purchase their kaya for S$8 a jar and with the short shelf life, you know it’s freshly made with little preservatives.
Kopi 1930’s Nasi Lemak with Chicken Rendang (S$13.90)
This (very) filling plate includes coconut rice, a succulent chicken rendang drumstick, crunchy ikan bilis, egg, cucumber, peanuts and sambal. Richly flavoured and comforting, it’s a great dish which I say all foreign guests should take a bite in!
Twenty Eight Café’s Seafood Cioppino with Sourdough (S$26)
I’d describe this dish as an adventurous fusion of clams, mussels, prawns swimming in laksa broth. – super satisfying with the great amount of ingredients and hot and flavourful broth. With sourdough great for dipping, every mouthful is unforgettable. This dish reminded me of so much of the mussel pot dish at Queen Victoria Market!
Over the Cloud by Twenty Eight Cafe & Kopi 1930’s Souffle Pancakes (S$20)
A dish that makes a wonderful (really wonderful) end to your meal, these pancakes are definitely a must-try and awesome for sharing! These light, fluffy, buttery pancakes are served with coconut cream, crunchy toast, and a dollop of kaya. Every bite is like eating a cloud of goodness – think soft French toast meets classic coconut and pandan.
More than just another food establishment, this cool, new café space at the National Gallery is a place to hang out and come back to. It’s the perfect combination of great food, ambiance and a little local flair to make it a place to recommend, time and again.
Fun fact: Kopi 1930 is more than a catchy name: it’s an understated nod to Twenty Eight Cafe’s colonial-era roots, with its flagship occupying 28 Wilkie Road in a space built in 1930.
101reasons.blog 